Cost of Living: Richardson, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

Richardson

Texas
128
VS

Downey

California
169

Richardson is 24% cheaper than Downey.

$1,825/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 4%
$96,257/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 9%
$405,600 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 80%
$1,796/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 11%
118,269
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richardson, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $8,857/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richardson is $405,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richardson vs Downey — common questions

Is Richardson or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richardson and Downey?
Median rent in Richardson is $1,825/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Richardson or Downey?
Median household income is $96,257 in Richardson and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $8,857/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richardson or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Richardson has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,825/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richardson details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richardson and Downey

Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens